Cooler with integrated audio system and power station

ABSTRACT

A cooler is divided into distinct, watertight compartments. A first, lower compartment is defined within a main housing section and receives items to be insulated from an ambient environment. The lower compartment is covered by a hinged lid that defines a second, upper compartment for receiving portable electronic devices and the like. A third compartment, disposed forward of the lower compartment, is defined between an exterior surface of the main housing section and a removable module. An audio system comprising an audio player, amplifier, and speakers are retained within the third compartment. In some embodiments, the removable module includes a power station configured to supply sufficient power to supply the audio system and operate and/or charge ancillary devices. In an embodiment, the audio system further includes a wireless interface and/or one or more input ports for receiving signals from such ancillary devices as an MP3 player or an electric guitar.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

1. Field of the Invention

Embodiments of the present invention generally relate to containershaving an insulated compartment for maintaining consumable items at adepressed or elevated temperature relative to an ambient temperature,and more particularly, to the integration of additional features toenhance the utility and convenience of such containers.

2. Description of the Related Art

It has long been known that an insulated container will isolateconsumable food and beverage items from an external ambient temperatureso that long after these items are removed from a refrigerating orheating appliance, they can be consumed and enjoyed. Collectively knownas “coolers”, these containers have become a fixture at outdoor parties,parks, beaches, stadium parking lots, and even out on the ocean.

To enhance their convenience and/or entertainment value at recreationalvenues, it has been proposed to integrate other functions into coolers.Complementary functions such as ice grinders and refrigeration units, aswell as ancillary ones such as built in radios, have been proposed. Forone reason or another, such systems have not met with any significantdegree of commercial success.

A continuing need, however, exists for coolers which are adapted toprovide enhanced convenience and entertainment without compromisingtheir utility or introducing complexity into their design.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The Summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in asimplified form that are further described below in the DetailedDescription. This Summary is not intended to identify key features oressential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended tobe used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subjectmatter.

In embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, a cooler isdivided into three distinct compartments. A first or lower compartmentis defined within a main housing section and receives items to beinsulated from an ambient environment external to the lower compartment.The lower compartment is covered by a hinged lid that defines a second,upper compartment for receiving portable electronic devices and thelike. A third compartment, disposed forward of the lower compartment, isdefined between an exterior surface of the main housing section and aremovable module. An audio system comprising an audio player, amplifier,and speakers are retained within the third compartment. In someembodiments, the removable module includes a power station configured tosupply sufficient power to supply the audio system and operate and/orcharge ancillary devices. In an embodiment, the audio player of theaudio system comprises an FM, AM/FM or even satellite signal receiver, adigital media player for playing digital media files stored in, forexample, the well known MP3 and/or WMA formats, as well as a wirelessinterface and/or one or more input ports for receiving signals from suchexternal ancillary devices as a portable digital media player or anelectric guitar.

In some embodiments, a multi-compartmented cooler having an integratedaudio system and power station according to embodiments of the presentdisclosure includes at least one handle having a bottle opener definedtherein. In an embodiment, the handle defines a through opening intowhich is molded, formed, or otherwise placed, a structure dimensionedand arranged to engage the lip and cap of a bottle and to remove thelatter when the bottle is tilted relative to the opener.

In some embodiments, a removable module of a multi-compartmented cooleraccording to embodiments of the present disclosure incorporatescomponents of an integrated audio system and power station. Theincorporated components include a plurality of speakers. At least afirst pair of the plurality of speakers are secured to the removablemodule so as to be positioned at an obtuse angle relative to anunderlying cooler support surface wherein sound waves are directedupwardly (away from the underlying support surface) and toward one ormore listeners. The speakers are recessed within the removable moduleand protected by a cover integral to the removal cover and havingsubstantially vertical slots defined therein to enable water entering asrain or splashing activity to drain quickly and without deleteriouseffects upon the speakers. In some embodiments, each cover is integrallyformed as part of the removable module.

In another embodiment, an insulated cooler comprises a main housingdefining a first interior compartment, an upper opening aligned with thefirst interior compartment, and a plurality of insulated sidewalls. Theinsulated cooler further comprises a cooler compartment lid assemblywhich includes a first lid pivotably connected to the main housing by ahinge. The first lid is dimensioned and arranged to provide an uppersurface of the first interior compartment when the first lid is in aclosed position and to enable access to the first interior compartmentwhen the first lid is in an open position. The first lid also defines asecond interior compartment dimensioned and arranged to receive andstore at least one portable electronic device and an access openingaligned with the second interior compartment. The lid assembly furthercomprises a second lid pivotably securable to the first lid anddimensioned and arranged to provide an upper surface of the secondinterior compartment when the second lid is in a closed position and toenable access to the second interior compartment when second lid is inan open position, and a removable module having a plurality of audiosystem components secured thereto and defining a peripheral lipdimensioned and arranged to overlie a first exterior surface region ofthe main housing, the removable module being manipulable between aposition of attachment to the main housing and a position of detachmentfrom the main housing, While the removable module is in the position ofattachment, the peripheral lip overlies the first exterior surfaceregion and a third compartment dimensioned and arranged to enclose theaudio system components is defined by a second exterior surface of themain housing and respective interior surfaces of the removable module.The audio system components include an audio player device which, insome embodiments, comprise at least one of an audio receiver or adigital audio player, a plurality of speakers electrically coupled tothe audio player device, and an amplifier having an audio input sourceline for receiving an audio signal from at least one of the audio playerdevice or an electric guitar.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a top perspective view of a cooler having an integrated audiosystem and power station according to embodiments consistent with thepresent disclosure;

FIG. 2 is a front elevation view of the cooler depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 3 is a rear elevation view of the cooler depicted in FIG. 1;

FIGS. 4A and 4B are left and right side elevation views, respectively,of the cooler depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a partial cutaway elevation view taken from the left side of acooler and constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments of thepresent invention;

FIG. 6 is a top plan view of the cooler depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 7 is a bottom plan view of the cooler depicted in FIG. 1;

FIG. 8 is a front elevation view of a device interface panel inaccordance with one or more embodiments;

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are top, front and left side elevation views,respectively, of a main housing of a cooler constructed in accordancewith one or more embodiments;

FIGS. 10A through 10E are front elevation, front perspective, rearperspective, bottom plan, and left hand views of a removable panel of acooler constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments;

FIGS. 11A and 11B are top plan and front elevation views of a first liddimensioned and arranged to cover an opening in the main housingdepicted in FIG. 9A and thereby define an insulated compartmentaccording to one or more embodiments;

FIG. 11C is a bottom plan view of the first lid depicted in FIGS. 11Aand 11B;

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C are front elevation, top plan and side elevationviews of a second lid constructed in accordance with one or moreembodiments;

FIG. 12D depicts the second lid of FIGS. 12A-12C in an openconfiguration relative to a cooler constructed according to FIGS. 1-6and consistent with one or more embodiments consistent with the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 13A to 13C are front elevation, side elevation and a top plan viewof a pivotable cover dimensioned and arranged to protect the userinterface portion of an audio system disposed within a compartment of acooler, according to one or more embodiments consistent with the presentdisclosure;

FIGS. 14A to 14C depict an insert for mounting an audio system anddevice panel interface within a compartment of a cooler, in accordancewith one or more embodiments;

FIGS. 15A and 15B depict front and side elevation views of a handlegraspable by a user to carry a cooler to which the handle is attached,the handle having molded therein a bottle opening insert according toone or more embodiments; and

FIG. 16 is a wiring schematic, in block diagram form, depicting theelectrical connections of functional blocks comprising an audio systemand power station mounted within a cooler in accordance with embodimentsof the present disclosure.

While the method and apparatus is described herein by way of example forseveral embodiments and illustrative drawings, those skilled in the artwill recognize that coolers having an integrated audio system and powerstation are not limited to the embodiments or drawings described. Itshould be understood, that the drawings and detailed description theretoare not intended to limit embodiments to the particular form disclosed.Rather, the intention is to cover all modifications, equivalents andalternatives falling within the spirit and scope of coolers having anintegrated audio system and power station as defined by the appendedclaims. Any headings used herein are for organizational purposes onlyand are not meant to limit the scope of the description or the claims.As used herein, the word “may” is used in a permissive sense (i.e.,meaning having the potential to), rather than the mandatory sense (i.e.,meaning must). Similarly, the words “include”, “including”, and“includes” mean including, but not limited to.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments of a cooler consistent with the present disclosure includean insulated compartment which is covered by a lid and used like anyconventional cooler. However, the lid itself further defines awater-resistant second compartment which is also covered by a lid anddimensioned and arranged to receive one or more electronic componentssuch, for example, as tablet computers, smart phones, digital audio(e.g., MP3) players, or the like. The insulated compartment is formedwithin a main housing which defines a bottom wall suitable for placementon an underlying support surface, a pair of lateral sidewalls, a rearwall and a front wall. While the lateral, bottom and rear walls of themain housing define respective exterior surfaces which are exposed tothe internal environment, however, the exterior surface defined by thefront wall is concealed by a removable module.

In some embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, the frontwall exterior surface and removable module collectively define a thirdcompartment which houses the components of an audio system and a powerstation for both operating the audio system and charging and/oroperating one or more external devices. The latter are electricallycoupled to ports of the power station. When not in use, these ports arecovered by a unitary cover which, in some embodiments includes aplurality of discrete plugs which are respectively connected to a commonrail so that each may be selectively and independently removed from aseated position to expose one or more selected ports as required toconnect an auxiliary device.

Various embodiments of cooler having an integrated audio system andpower station are described. In the following detailed description,numerous specific details are set forth to provide a thoroughunderstanding of claimed subject matter. However, it will be understoodby those skilled in the art that claimed subject matter may be practicedwithout these specific details. In other instances, methods, apparatusesor systems that would be known by one of ordinary skill have not beendescribed in detail so as not to obscure claimed subject matter.

FIGS. 1-7 depict the assembled components of an illustrative embodimentof a cooler consistent with the present disclosure. In FIG. 1, aperspective view is provided of a cooler 100 formed by a main housingsection 110 and a removable module 150. Pivotably coupled to the lateralsidewalls of main housing section 110 are respective handles indicatedat reference numeral 112 and 114, respectively. The main housing section110 of cooler 100 defines an insulated internal compartment (not shownin FIG. 1), which is covered by a lid assembly 116 that includes a firstlid 118 and a second lid 120. The first lid 118 is positioned over theinsulated internal compartment, but further defines a second interiorcompartment (also not shown in FIG. 1) which is covered by the secondlid 120.

A pair of channels 122 and 124 are defined in the upper surface of firstlid 118, and these extend between the rear of edge of first lid 118 anda recess 126 in the upper surface of first lid 110. Recess 126 whichsurrounds the second lid 112 and, in some embodiments, has a depthcorresponding to that of second lid 120 so that the upper surface offirst lid 118 and the upper surface of second lid 120 are co-planar andpresent the aesthetic appearance of a continuous, uniform surfaceinterrupted only by the drain channels 122 and 124, recess 126 and, insome embodiments, one or more cup holder recesses as recesses 128 and130.

Channels 122 and 1124 allow water in the vicinity of second lid 120—asmay otherwise accumulate as the result of rainfall or splashing from anocean, lake, pond, pool or any other body of water onto cooler 100—todrain quickly rather than enter into the second compartment. Typically,the second internal compartment is not insulated, and is best suited forcontents which a user desires to conceal and/or protect from the rain orother forms of precipitation. Such devices may include mobile phones,tablet computers, and/or MP3 players and the like. In some embodiments,the second internal compartment is divided by one or more divider walls(not shown) into discrete sections—e.g., one dimensioned to accommodatea standard tablet computer and the other to receive and store one ormore mobile phone(s). The depth of the second internal compartment istypically on the order of 2.50 cm, but may be more or less, dependingupon the nominal thickness of the first lid 110 and the degree to whichthe first lid must resist the transfer of heat into (or out of) thefirst internal compartment, as the case may be.

FIGS. 2 and 3 are front and rear elevation views of the embodimentdepicted in FIG. 1, while FIGS. 4A and 4B are left and right sideelevation views, respectively. FIG. 5 is a side elevation view taken inpartial cross section to show the arrangement of the interiorcompartments 502 and 504 within main housing 110, and first lid 118,respectively. FIGS. 6 and 7 are top and bottom plan views, respectively.In the illustrative embodiment of FIGS. 1-7, removable module 150 isseparable from main housing section 110 and defines an exterior frontsurface 152 (FIG. 2) which has the same nominal height H and width W asthe rear exterior surface 132 (FIG. 3) of main housing section 110.Exterior front surface 152 also has the same nominal height H as thelateral exterior surfaces 134 and 136 of main housing section 110 shownin FIGS. 4A and 4B, respectively.

In embodiments consistent with the present disclosure, and as will soonbecome apparent, surfaces of the main housing section 110 and theremovable module 150 collectively define a third interior compartment506 (FIG. 5) within which are disposed the components of an audio systemwhich includes, inter alia, an audio player 160, a power station whichincludes a power supply (not shown in FIGS. 1-7), and a device interfacepanel 170 defining a plurality of charging and/or device input portswhich, in FIGS. 1, 2 and 8 are collectively covered by a plug assembly171 comprising a corresponding plurality of friction-fitting cover plugsas plugs 172 a through 172 f of FIG. 8.

Within continuing reference to FIG. 8, there is shown a covering plugassembly 171 constructed according to embodiments consistent with thepresent disclosure. In the embodiment of FIG. 8, the individual plugs172 a through 172 f are formed of a resilient, elastomeric materialdimensioned and arranged to form a water tight seal when inserted into aconnector-receiving opening of the device interface panel 170. Each ofthe plugs 172 a through 172 f is connected to a common rail 174 by arespective web of flexible material (173 a-173 f). A separate resilientcap 175 is mounted over power switch 177. The rail, webs, and plugs ofthe covering plug assembly 171 are typically molded in a commonfabrication process, the choice of a flexible material serving not onlyto resiliently and reliably seal each device panel port from egress ofmoisture during periods of non use but also, via the respective flexibleconnections to the common rail, any of these may be independently andselectively moved out of a sealing position to enable a connector to anauxiliary device to be inserted into a corresponding port of devicepanel 170 when use of such port is required. The inventors herein havealso found that the use of a common rail substantially reduces the riskof covering plug loss.

Returning to FIG. 1, it will be seen that the front exterior surface 152of removable module 150 defines an upper pair of integrally formedspeaker covers, indicated generally at reference numerals 154 a and 154b, and a lower pair of integrally formed speaker covers, indicatedgenerally at reference numerals 156 a and 156 b, respectively. At leastthe lower pair of speaker covers 156 a and 156 b define a plurality ofparallel, vertical slots 158. The vertical slots 158 enable propagationof sound waves from the corresponding speakers within the thirdcompartment during operation of the audio system. At the same time,however, any water which may enter the speaker covers, as by rainfall orsplashing, to drain harmlessly without any damaging interactions withthe components disposed within the third compartment.

As best seen in FIGS. 2-5, transport of the cooler 100 is made easier,especially on relatively planar surfaces, by the inclusion of a pair ofwheels 180 and 182, and a handle 184 which is extensibly coupled to themain housing section 110 by pairs of telescoping sections indicatedgenerally at 186 a and 186 b, respectively. Cooler 100 may be tilted upby lifting the handle 184 so that the cooler rests on external wheels180 and 182 and may be rolled on the wheels until such time as eitherthe terrain no longer permits or the user has reached a desired locationfor cooler 100. With particular reference to FIG. 7, it will be seenthat wheels 180 and 182 are connected by a single axle 181, though inother embodiments, each of wheels 180 and 182 are supported by its ownindependent axle or bearing surface. It will be further seen that toaccommodate the stable placement and carrying—upon the surface of lid118 and lid 120—of bulky, ancillary items such as blanket(s), bags,and/or other articles (not shown), respective pairs of integrally moldedtie-down hooks as hook pairs 190 a, 190 b, and 190 c can be provided.

FIGS. 9A, 9B, and 9C are top, front and left side elevation views,respectively, of a main housing of a cooler constructed in accordancewith one or more embodiments. Main housing 110 defines an interiorcavity 502 bounded by insulated left and right sidewalls 922 and 924, aswell as rear and front walls, 920 and 926. These walls, in turn,collectively, define a continuous, upper peripheral edge surfaceindicated generally at reference numeral 906 a and surrounding acompartment opening having a length L₁ and width W₁. A lip extensionportion, indicated generally at 904, extends from the peripheral edgesurface and defines a plurality of apertures, as aperture 902, forsecuring the removable module 150 (FIGS. 10A-10E). As best seen in FIG.9C, the lip extension portion 904 extends away from the front facingsurface of front wall 920 of the main housing. The lip extension portion904 also defines a downwardly facing, lower peripheral edge surfacewhich forms an interface with complementary surface portion(s) of theremovable module 150. In some embodiments, a wheel well is defined as arecess in each of the main housing sidewalls, as recess 950 defined inside wall 924 of FIG. 9C. One or more mounting flanges, as mountingflange 952 of FIG. 9C, provides a suitable substrate for mounting awheel supporting axle (not shown). Likewise, a mounting collar structure930 permits the installation of a telescoping handle assembly as 184,186 a and 186 b of FIGS. 1-6.

FIGS. 10A through 10E are front elevation, front perspective, rearperspective, bottom plan, and left hand views of a removable panel 150of a cooler constructed in accordance with one or more embodiments. Inthe embodiment of a removable panel depicted in FIGS. 10A-10E, a numberof mounting pins 1006 alignable with apertures 902 of FIG. 9A, areprovided to facilitate the insertion of threaded fasteners or otherwiseeffect the attachment of removable module 150 to main housing 110. Theface of module 150 defines two discrete openings, the first is indicatedgenerally at reference numeral 1004 and is dimensioned and arranged toprovide access to the user interface (not shown) of the audio systemdisposed within the compartment formed between surfaces 1032, 1034, and1036 of removable module 150 and the forward facing surface of frontwall 920 of main housing 110. A second opening, indicated generally atreference numeral 1005, is provides access to a storage cavity to bedescribed shortly. A plurality of parallel supports 1009 are defined inthe bottom flange 1020 of removable module 150, these being dimensionedand arranged for alignment with identically dimensioned supports on thelower surface of main housing 110 (FIG. 7).

A pair of rounded shoulders indicated generally at 1002 a and 1002 b inFIGS. 10A, 10B and 10D, are designed to cover the front corners of mainhousing 112 and provide an aesthetically pleasing appearance. Thecavities 1008 a and 1008 b formed by shoulders 1002 a and 1002 b aredimensioned and arranged to rest upon correspondingly shaped structureson main housing 110, forming a water-resistant seal.

FIGS. 11A and 11B are top plan and front elevation views of a lid asfirst lid 118 of FIGS. 1-7, the lid 118 being dimensioned and arrangedto cover the opening (L₁×W₁) in the main housing depicted in FIG. 9A andto thereby define an insulated compartment according to one or moreembodiments. A recess 1142 circumscribes an opening formed betweenfront, rear, and lateral sidewalls 1144. Between these sidewalls are apair of cavities or recesses indicated generally at reference numerals1130 and 1132, respectively and separated by a dividing wall 1134.Collectively, the cavities have a length of L₂ and a width of W₂. Thesidewalls 1144 extend upwardly from the upwardly facing surface ofrecess 1142, parallel to the sidewall 1146 which defines the recess1142. A latching recess 1162 is dimensioned and arranged to frictionallyengage a corresponding latch structure of a second lid (e.g. lid 120 ofFIGS. 1-7 and FIGS. 12A to 12C). In some embodiments, a measuring guide1150 is defined on the exterior, upwardly facing surface of lid 118.Where the lid 118 is formed of molded plastic, measuring guide 1150 maybe formed during the same mold-forming process. A second latchstructure, indicated generally at 1160, is provided at the center of thefront facing surface of lid 118, the latch structure being dimensionedand arranged, in some embodiments, to frictionally engage acorresponding latch forming part of removable module 150.

FIG. 110 is a bottom plan view of the first lid depicted in FIGS. 11Aand 11B. In some embodiments, the downward facing surface 1141 of lid118 defines a raised region having dimensions D₃×W₃ which are selectedto form a reasonably tight seal to minimize heat transfer from thecompartment defined within main housing 110. Defined within this raisedregion are also a first recess 1170 for receiving a first batteryoperated light or other structure (not shown). The structure receivedand mounted within the first recess 1170 may be affixed, secured orotherwise mounted via mechanical fastener(s), adhesive bonding,hook-and-loop fasteners, or via any other conventional expedient. Asecond recess 1172 is also defined on surface 1141.

According to some embodiments, a ferrous plate (not shown) is moldedinto or otherwise secured to lid 118 in a position of alignment with thesecond recess 1172. In such embodiments, a second light, which comprisesa housing, internal battery, light emitting diode or other source ofillumination, and an an/off switch is retained within second recess 1172by one or more magnets mounted within the base of the housing. When asource of light external to the cooler is needed, a user need only graspthe light and pull with sufficient force to overcome the magneticattraction forces. Likewise, when finished using the light, it may bereadily returned to recess 1172. By molding the ferrous plate (notshown) within the cooler lid, oxidation of the plate surfaces isavoided.

It should be noted however, that the use of a ferrous plate is merelyillustrative. Alternative embodiments include parallel grooves definedon the interior surface of recess 1172 and correspondingly dimensionedtabs or other structures extending from opposing surfaces of the lightor other structure and alignable with the grooves (neither of which areshown) such that the light may be mounted by insertion of the lightcarrying structure into the recess and sliding of the structure in afirst direction. Likewise, the structure may be removed by sliding it ina second direction opposite the first direction and pulling thestructure out of the recess. A still further alternative includes theuse of complementary hook and loop fasteners attached to the base ofrecess 1172 and the base of the structure, respectively.

FIGS. 12A, 12B and 12C are front elevation, top plan and side elevationviews of a second lid 120 constructed in accordance with one or moreembodiments. Second lid 122 defines an upper surface 1222 which isdimensioned and arranged for co-planar alignment with surface 1140(FIGS. 11A and 11B) of lid 118. A frangible latch 1230 is dimensionedand arranged for friction fitting, releasable engagement with thelatching structure 1162 shown in FIG. 11A. In some embodiments, thebottom surface 1224 of second lid 120 is provided with downwardlydepending walls which are dimensioned and arranged to surround or restupon the wall 1146 (FIG. 11 A) which extends upwardly from recessedsurface 1142 and defines the cavities 1130 and 1132 (each, also shown inFIG. 11A). FIG. 12D depicts the second lid 120 of FIGS. 12A-12C in anopen configuration relative to a cavity defined in the upper surface ofthe lid 118 of cooler 100 of FIGS. 1-7.

FIGS. 13A to 13C are front elevation, side elevation and a top plan viewof a pivotable, translucent cover 1300 dimensioned and arranged toprotect the user interface portion of an audio system disposed withinthe compartment of a cooler, as compartment 406 (FIG. 5) according toone or more embodiments consistent with the present disclosure. Thetranslucent cover defines a pair of oppositely extending hinge pinsindicated generally at reference numerals 1302 and 1304 and aprotuberance 1306 dimensioned and arranged to enable a user to use asingle finger from one hand to upwardly pivot and the cover about anaxis defined by the pivot pins and thereby expose the user interface ofthe audio system for manipulation of the former and operation of thelatter. In some embodiments, the audio system includes pushbuttons,toggle switches, and other mechanical structures for energizing theaudio system, for initiating one or more modes of operation, and forterminating operation in such modes.

FIGS. 14A to 14C depict an insert 1400 for mounting a receiver of anaudio system (FIG. 16) and ports of a device panel interface within acompartment of a cooler, in accordance with one or more embodiments. Theinsert 1400 is optional, and in alternative embodiments, the moldedmaterial(s) from which the removable module is fabricated are ofsufficient hardness, toughness and resilience that they can provide astable substrate for receiving and supporting an attached audio system.In this regard, the removable module 150 may comprise molded plasticinserts or sub-modules of differing material properties such ascompressive, tensile and bending strength, with those portions of theremovable module 150 exposed to the application of higher stresses(e.g., points of attachment to the audio system housing) being made, forexample, of tougher and less brittle materials than other portions ofthe removable module 150. Likewise, the openings defining each connectorport can be defined directly in one or more such plastic inserts orsub-modules.

In some embodiments, the audio system includes an audio receiver (FIG.16) which is securely mounted to removable module 150. While a directform of attachment as described above is contemplated, the embodiment ofFIGS. 14A to 14C includes a stamped insert 1400, of steel or the like,as an alternate structure for securely attaching the audio system, aswell as to define connector ports comprising the device interface panel170 (FIG. 2), insert 1400 includes a first mounting flange 1404 and asecond mounting flange 1408. The latter mounting flange defines aplurality of openings which correspond to the aforementioned connectorports as ports 172 a-172 f of FIG. 8. In some embodiments, the frontface of insert 1400 is provided with indicia respectively aligned witheach connector port and identifying the corresponding function of suchports.

Where the audio system includes mechanical operators such as buttons,additional apertures are formed through the face of insert 1400. Toenable a user to view the display of the audio system during operation,a cutout 1406 is also defined through the face of insert 1400. Toaccommodate the hinge pins 1302 and 1304 of translucent cover 1300(respectively shown in FIG. 13), a pair of mounting flanges 1414 a and1414 b define respective apertures aligned with one another anddimensioned and arranged to permit rotation of the cover about thehorizontal axis passing through the hinge pins.

Also provided is a recess 1412 for receiving and securing the commonrail 174 of snap cover assembly 171. To this end, recess 1412 defines aplurality of spaced apertures for receiving corresponding pegs (notshown) projecting rearwardly from rail 174. Each of the pegs aredimensioned and arranged for friction fitting insertion and retentionwithin a respective one of the apertures in recess 1412.

FIGS. 15A and 15B depict front and side elevation views of a handle 1500graspable by a user to carry a cooler to which the handle is attached,the handle having molded therein a bottle opening insert according toone or more embodiments. As best seen in FIG. 15, the handle 1500includes a transverse hinge pin structure 1505, as well as a U-shapedstructure comprising a graspable handle portion 1502 and a pair ofparallel extensions 1503 a and 1503 b. To accommodate removal ofclosures from beverage-containing bottles, handle 1500 further defines athrough aperature. Aligned with this aperture is a metal bottle openingplate, typically installed during the same plastic molding process asused to fabricate the U-shaped handle structure itself.

FIG. 16 is a wiring schematic, in block diagram form, depicting theelectrical connections and functional blocks of a system 1600 comprisingan audio system 1610 and power station 1630 mounted within a cooler inaccordance with embodiments of the present disclosure. The audio system1610 includes an audio receiver 1612 which, in addition to conventionalFM or AM/FM receiver circuitry and/or satellite signal receiver,preferably includes a digital audio player configured to access audiofiles in a format such, for example, as the ubiquitous MP3 format. Tothis end, the audio system may include one or more card reader slots foraccessing media files stored on a portable media. Optionally, a wirelessinterface such, for example, as a Bluetooth™ interface enables thereceiver to receive and process auxiliary input such, for example, as asmart phone interface or the like. Audio system 1610 further includes amulti-channel amplifier indicated generally at reference numeral 1614,which, in turn, is coupled to upper speakers 1616 and 1622 and lowerspeakers 1618 and 1620.

Power for operating the various components of the audio system 1610 isprovided by power supply 1632 of power station 1630. In someembodiments, the power supply 1632 comprises a 12V DC battery, which maybe lithium ion or lead acid battery, and a circuit protector module 1624which may include, for example, a replaceable fuse, a fusible link, or acircuit breaker. Power station 1630 further includes a power block 1636which distributes the power received from the battery to the receiver1612 and/or to one or more power output ports of device panel 1640. Thepower output ports include a 12V DC output port 1644 and a 5V DC outputport 1646. Other functions performed by power block 1636 can includepower regulation, rectification, and/or impedance matching, as well asdistribution of power received from an alternate power source via DCinput port 1642. Device panel 1640 further includes auxiliary inputports such as a microphone input port 1648, an auxiliary device inputport 1650, and an instrument input port 1652. By way of illustrativeexample, the instrument port 1652 may comprise an input port forconnection to an electric guitar.

The foregoing description, for purpose of explanation, has beendescribed with reference to specific embodiments. However, theillustrative discussions above are not intended to be exhaustive or tolimit the invention to the precise forms disclosed. Many modificationsand variations are possible in view of the above teachings. Theembodiments were chosen and described in order to best explain theprinciples of the present disclosure and its practical applications, tothereby enable others skilled in the art to best utilize the inventionand various embodiments with various modifications as may be suited tothe particular use contemplated.

The methods described herein may be implemented in software, hardware,or a combination thereof, in different embodiments. In addition, theorder of methods may be changed, and various elements may be added,reordered, combined, omitted, modified, etc. All examples describedherein are presented in a non-limiting manner. Various modifications andchanges may be made as would be obvious to a person skilled in the arthaving benefit of this disclosure. Realizations in accordance withembodiments have been described in the context of particularembodiments. These embodiments are meant to be illustrative and notlimiting. Many variations, modifications, additions, and improvementsare possible. Accordingly, plural instances may be provided forcomponents described herein as a single instance. Boundaries betweenvarious components, operations and data stores are somewhat arbitrary,and particular operations are illustrated in the context of specificillustrative configurations. Other allocations of functionality areenvisioned and may fall within the scope of claims that follow. Finally,structures and functionality presented as discrete components in theexample configurations may be implemented as a combined structure orcomponent. These and other variations, modifications, additions, andimprovements may fall within the scope of embodiments as defined in theclaims that follow.

1. An insulated cooler, comprising: a main housing defining a firstinterior compartment, an upper opening aligned with the first interiorcompartment, and a plurality of insulated sidewalls; a coolercompartment lid assembly including a first lid pivotably connected tothe main housing by a hinge, wherein the first lid is dimensioned andarranged to provide an upper surface of the first interior compartmentwhen the first lid is in a closed position and to enable access to thefirst interior compartment when the first lid is in an open position,and wherein the first lid defines a second interior compartmentdimensioned and arranged to receive and store at least one portableelectronic device and an access opening aligned with the second interiorcompartment, and a second lid pivotably securable to the first lid anddimensioned and arranged to provide an upper surface of the secondinterior compartment when the second lid is in a closed position and toenable access to the second interior compartment when second lid is inan open position; and a removable module having a power station and aplurality of audio system components secured thereto and defining aperipheral lip dimensioned and arranged to overlie a first exteriorsurface region of the main housing, the removable module beingmanipulable between a position of attachment to the main housing and aposition of detachment from the main housing, wherein while theremovable module is in the position of attachment, the peripheral lipoverlies the first exterior surface region and a third compartmentdimensioned and arranged to enclose the audio system components isdefined by a second exterior surface of the main housing and respectiveinterior surfaces of the removable module; and wherein the audio systemcomponents include an audio player device comprising at least one of anaudio receiver or a digital audio player, a plurality of speakerselectrically coupled to the audio player device, and an amplifier havingan audio input source line for receiving an audio signal from at leastone of the audio player device or an electric guitar.
 2. The cooleraccording to claim 1, wherein the removable module is dimensioned andarranged to support a first pair of the plurality of speakers at anobtuse angle relative to an underlying support surface to thereby directacoustic energy upwardly and away from the underlying support surface.3. The cooler according to claim 2, wherein the first pair of speakersis a lower pair of speakers and wherein the removable module is furtherdimensioned and arranged to support a second, upper pair of speakers atan angle different than the obtuse angle.
 4. The cooler according toclaim 1, further comprising a pair of handles respectively movableangularly relative to corresponding exterior sidewalls of the mainhousing, wherein at least one of the handles has a bottle opener formedtherein.
 5. The cooler according to claim 4, wherein each of the handlesincludes a transverse graspable portion of molded plastic, eachgraspable portion defining an aperture and having a bottle cap removinginsert aligned with the aperture.
 6. The cooler according to claim 1,wherein the first lid defines a first upwardly facing surface and asecond upwardly facing surface recessed from the first upwardly facingsurface, wherein the access opening to the second compartment is definedin the second upwardly facing surface, and wherein the first upwardlyfacing surface defines an opening aligned with the access opening. 7.The cooler according to claim 6, wherein the first lid further defines aperipheral lip extending upwardly from the second upwardly facingsurface and surrounding the access opening, the peripheral lip beingdimensioned and arranged to substantially prevent water accumulating onthe second upwardly facing surface from entering the second compartment.8. The cooler according to claim 7, wherein the second lid furtherdefines a lower surface alignable with the second compartment and asecond peripheral lip extending downwardly from the lower surface, thesecond peripheral lip being dimensioned and arranged to at least one ofsurround, overlie or frictionally engage with the peripheral lip definedby the first lid to further inhibit entry of water into the secondcompartment.
 9. The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the mainhousing defines a forward wall defining the second exterior surface anda rear wall defining a third exterior surface, the cooler furthercomprising: a handle; and a pair of external wheels mounted near therear wall such that the cooler may be tilted up by lifting the handle sothat the cooler rests on the pair of external wheels and may be rolledon the wheels.
 10. The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the audioplayer comprises a user interface including a display and wherein theremovable module defines an opening dimensioned and arranged to enable auser to view the display and operate the user interface.
 11. The cooleraccording to claim 10, further including a removable translucent paneldimensioned and arranged to cover the display and to restrictimpingement of rain or splashed water while permitting the display to beviewed, the panel being manipulable between an open position foroperation of the user interface and a closed position for protecting thedisplay.
 12. The cooler according to claim 11, wherein the removablemodule further comprises a shelf dimensioned and arranged to receive aportable electronic device, the cover being further dimensioned andarranged to cover the shelf and any contents disposed thereon.
 13. Thecooler according to claim 1, wherein the power station comprises a powersupply including a battery, and wherein the cooler further comprises aplurality of device ports, at least a first of the ports beingdimensioned and arranged to receive a male connector and beingelectrically coupled to the power supply to at least one of recharge orenergize a portable electronic device using battery power.
 14. Thecooler according to claim 13, wherein the first of the ports is a USBport.
 15. The cooler according to claim 13, wherein the first of theports is a 12V port for receiving a cigarette-lighter style connector.16. The cooler according to claim 13, wherein one of the plurality ofdevice ports is an amplifier port dimensioned and arranged to receiveinput from an electric guitar, the amplifier port being electricallycoupled to the amplifier.
 17. The cooler according to claim 13, furtherincluding a plurality of covering plugs respectively connected to acommon rail and dimensioned and arranged for frictional engagement witha corresponding one of the device ports, whereby each covering plug maybe selectively and independently removed from a seated position toexpose a corresponding device port and thereby permit insertion of anauxiliary device connector into the corresponding device port.
 18. Thecooler according to claim 17, wherein at least one of the plurality ofcovering plugs and the common rail are fabricated from an elastomericmaterial.
 19. The cooler according to claim 1, wherein the audio playerfurther includes a wireless interface.
 20. The cooler according to claim1, further including a plurality of covering plugs respectivelyconnected to a common rail and dimensioned and arranged for frictionalengagement with a corresponding one of a plurality of device portsassociated with the power station, whereby each covering plug may beselectively and independently removed from a seated position to expose acorresponding device port and thereby permit insertion of an auxiliarydevice connector into the corresponding device port.
 21. An insulatedcooler, comprising: a main housing defining a first interiorcompartment, an upper opening aligned with the first interiorcompartment, and a plurality of insulated sidewalls; a coolercompartment lid assembly including a first lid pivotably connected tothe main housing by a hinge, wherein the first lid is dimensioned andarranged to provide an upper surface of the first interior compartmentwhen the first lid is in a closed position and to enable access to thefirst interior compartment when the first lid is in an open position,and wherein the first lid defines a second interior compartmentdimensioned and arranged to receive and store at least one portableelectronic device and an access opening aligned with the second interiorcompartment, and a second lid pivotably securable to the first lid anddimensioned and arranged to provide an upper surface of the secondinterior compartment when the second lid is in a closed position and toenable access to the second interior compartment when second lid is inan open position; a power station comprising a battery and a pluralityof device ports for at least one of energizing, charging or receivinginput from respective auxiliary devices; a plurality of audio systemcomponents; and a removable module manipulable between a position ofattachment to the main housing and a position of detachment from themain housing, wherein while the removable module is in the position ofattachment, a third compartment dimensioned and arranged to enclose theaudio system components and power station is defined by a secondexterior surface of the main housing and respective interior surfaces ofthe removable module; and wherein the audio system components include anaudio player device comprising at least one of an audio receiver or adigital audio player, a plurality of speakers electrically coupled tothe audio player device, and an amplifier having an audio input sourceline for receiving an audio signal from at least one of the audio playerdevice or an electric guitar.
 22. The cooler according to claim 21,further including a plurality of covering plugs respectively connectedto a common rail and dimensioned and arranged for frictional engagementwith a corresponding one of the device ports, whereby each covering plugmay be selectively and independently removed from a seated position toexpose a corresponding device port and thereby permit insertion of anauxiliary device connector into the corresponding device port.
 23. Thecooler according to claim 22, wherein at least one of the plurality ofcovering plugs and the common rail are fabricated from an elastomericmaterial.